Paris is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. To make the most of this spectacular city, you first need to ask yourself where to stay in Paris first time. Once you’ve found the accommodation that suits you, it’s time to visit many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.
Exploring the city’s unique neighbourhoods, where you can find local markets, stunning views of the Seine, the bohemian charm of Montmartre’s cobbled streets or the luxury and elegance of the Champs-Élysées, should also be on your list of things to do.
In this guide, we’ll give you first-hand advice so you can choose the perfect neighbourhood to suit you, no matter your budget.
In brief: The best areas to stay in Paris are Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Quartier Latin, Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars, Montmartre and Le Louvre/Palais Royal.
Le Marais is a central area with great nightlife, allowing you to fully enjoy Paris both during the day and at night.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers a more elegant experience while being surrounded by the main attractions of Paris.
Quartier Latin is a great option for those looking for a lavish experience in an area with a lot of students. This is an excellent option, especially for younger travelers.
Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars is a great option for couples looking for a great view of the Eiffel Tower from their room and access to many excellent restaurants.
Montmartre is the best option for those looking for good value while staying in an iconic neighborhood that has been home to many famous artists.
If you want to stay in the most central yet touristy area, Le Louvre/Palais Royal is the best option. Staying here is not exactly cheap though.
You can easily navigate to each district by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Paris first time.
Le Marais is a historic district known for its narrow medieval streets.
It is one of the few neighbourhoods that has retained its medieval street plan and offers a maze of narrow, cobbled streets with beautifully preserved buildings.
As it is also a central district, many major attractions are within walking distance.
The area is also well connected to several metro lines, so you can easily reach other major attractions that are not within walking distance.
What makes La Marais such a great area to stay is the great nightlife and food scene.
Other central neighbourhoods can be quiet at night, especially the area around the Eiffel Tower.
But not in Le Marais.
This automatically brings us to the disadvantages of Le Marais.
If you are looking for a quieter area to stay, Le Marais is probably not for you.
If you are travelling on a budget, you will find much cheaper accommodation options in less central neighbourhoods such as Montmartre and not in Le Marais.
But for anyone looking for an incredibly convenient neighborhood with both day and night fun, Le Marais is one of the best options.
While the previously recommended district is known for its cozy atmosphere, this nearby district is known for its chic and elegant style.
It has a cultivated and somewhat quieter atmosphere, although it is still centrally located.
A favorite of writers such as Hemingway and Sartre, it exudes intellectual and artistic history.
The district was also the epicenter of Parisian literary and philosophical life and was frequented by famous writers, philosophers, and artists such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Pablo Picasso.
Many major sights and attractions are within walking distance, but you also have good access to several metro lines that take you to more distant locations.
Unlike some other busy areas of Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers the perfect balance between liveliness and tranquility.
Couples and families in particular will enjoy their stay here.
Is there anything not to like about Saint-Germain-des-Prés?
Being one of the most prestigious parts of the city, it is definitely not an ideal area if you are traveling on a budget.
In addition, there is much less nightlife compared to the previously recommended area.
However, most people who stay here come for a unique, sophisticated atmosphere, and if that is what you are looking for, this is one of the best options you have!
How to get around Paris? The easiest way to get around Paris is by taking the metro. Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements. The lower-numbered arrondissements are the most central areas.
In most cases, you will simply explore the lower-numbered arrondissements on foot and take the metro to the higher-numbered arrondissements if they have famous landmarks. For example, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located in the 18th arrondissement, which is not within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement).
Especially if you decide to live in a higher-numbered arrondissement, it is highly recommended to live near a metro to reach the city center without too much hassle.
The Latin Quarter is synonymous with academia and is home to the famous Sorbonne University and several other universities. The area’s academic roots date back to the Middle Ages, when Latin was the language of scholars, giving the area its name.
Thanks to its student population, the Latin Quarter has a vibrant, youthful energy. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars and a lively street life here. Rue Mouffetard is a popular street with lots of market stalls and local restaurants. This is the ideal place for locals and tourists to experience authentic Parisian life.
Most importantly, the Latin Quarter is centrally located and within walking distance of several attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Seine and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
It also has good access to the metro. The Latin Quarter is a wonderful balance between old and new.
Although it is rich in history, it is also home to trendy cafés, modern shops and a varied nightlife. Keep in mind that this part of Paris is busy and feels touristy. Compared to the previous two districts, the Latin Quarter also seems less noble and elegant.
In addition, many hotels offer small rooms, which makes it less ideal for families. But if you are a younger traveler and want to stay in a busy and central area with a good nightlife, the Latin Quarter is one of the best options you have.
For those who dream of waking up to the sight of the Eiffel Tower, the 7th arrondissement is the ideal choice.
This prestigious district is also home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Musée d’Orsay and Les Invalides. It is perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay with breathtaking views and easy access to Paris’ top attractions.
The 7th arrondissement is known as one of the safest and most peaceful neighbourhoods in Paris. The upscale residential character of the neighbourhood, combined with the well-kept streets and gardens, creates a peaceful environment that is ideal for families, couples and solo travellers looking for a quiet, safe place to stay.
Despite its central location, the area remains relatively quiet and less hectic than other, more touristy areas. This also brings us to the 7th arrondissement’s somewhat downer side. In the evenings, it gets pretty boring here, apart from the many luxury restaurants with one or more Michelin stars.
For example, we like the area around the Louvre much better because you are in elegant neighborhoods within walking distance of the sights.
However, there is a large group of travelers who prefer a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Add to that the culinary delights that are abundant in this area and you have the perfect romantic, luxurious setting for an unforgettable experience with your loved one.
Montmartre is one of our personal favorite areas, although it may not be as convenient as the more central areas. Yes, you are close to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the famous Rue des Martyrs is in this area, but you always have to take the metro to reach the main sights such as the Eiffel Tower.
Still, it is worth staying here.
Firstly, you can find much cheaper accommodation options compared to the central areas.
Secondly, it looks exactly like you imagine Paris to look like in the movies. The narrow streets, the vibrant street life, bakeries on every corner and local restaurants serving delicious food. You can really taste the artistic soul of Paris here.
Thirdly, it is located on a hill in the north of the city, which means you can enjoy panoramic views from various locations in the area.
Finally, some of the world’s most famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec, used to live in Montmartre. This artistic heritage is still very much alive, with many studios, galleries and street artists dotted around Montmartre.
If you’re looking for an authentic Parisian experience and don’t mind a longer metro ride, then definitely stay in Montmartre. As a bonus, you’ll probably also be staying in affordable accommodation, something that most central areas can’t easily offer.
The 1st arrondissement is as central as possible, which of course makes it a great starting point for tourists. From here you have the best access to most of the sights, but also to all the metro lines.
So why not put it first?
There are two major drawbacks to staying in the 1st arrondissement. The first is that it is the tourist epicentre of the city and by far the busiest of them all. The second reason is that it is also one of the most expensive areas, because it is always in such high demand.
We believe that other areas offer better value for money and feel less touristy and more authentic, even though that is difficult in Paris. However, we are not saying that the 1st arrondissement is a bad option.
Places like the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens and the chic shopping area of Rue Saint-Honoré are all within walking distance. You have good access to the other popular areas where you will find plenty of nightlife and other major sights.
The 1st arrondissement is also incredibly impressive and offers one architectural masterpiece after another. However, it is also a very commercialized area.
If you don’t mind that and you have the budget, the 1st arrondissement is one of the most convenient areas for sightseeing.
Le Marais: A central medieval district with great nightlife. In our opinion the best area for both day and night fun.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This is an elegant and central area that is ideal for those looking for a quieter experience but still want easy access to the highlights of the city. Highly recommended for families and couples.
Quartier Latin: The perfect mix of old and new Paris. Lots of students live here, so you can also enjoy a great nightlife. Not as clean as the more elegant parts of the city, but certainly fun and authentic.
Eiffel Tower/Champs of Mars: The perfect romantic area for couples with views of the Eiffel Tower, one of the safest parts of the city. Surrounded by many upscale restaurants, this is not cheap.
Montmartre: One of the most authentic areas of Paris, although a bit out of the way compared to the others. However, you can easily reach the center with a short metro ride.
Le Louvre/Palais Royal: This is the most central area you can imagine, but keep in mind that it is also the most touristy and crowded area. Hotels here are also not cheap.
*If you tap on the area, it will take you directly to the section of the article for more detailed information.
